How does a wedge make work easier?

A wedge is a simple machine that is used to convert a force applied to its blunt end into a force directed perpendicular to its inclined surfaces. This mechanical advantage comes from the design of the wedge, which focuses the applied force over a smaller area. When you apply a force to the wider part of the wedge, it pushes down on the material below it, while the angled surfaces of the wedge concentrate that force, allowing it to split or lift the material with less input effort.

This concentration of force means that you can accomplish the same task—like splitting wood or driving a nail—with a smaller amount of effort than would be required if the force were distributed across a larger area. The sharper or more narrow the wedge, the more effectively it can penetrate or lift the material, thus making the required work easier for the user. Consequently, the ability to concentrate force on a smaller area is what fundamentally enables the wedge to perform work more efficiently.